AFCON U20: Delighted forward has Mubiru, Byekwaso and Police to thank

Police football club’s forward Derrick Kakooza says it’s a dream come true to be selected for the national team after making it to the final Uganda Hippos squad.

The 18-year-old forward was included in Morley Byekwaso’s final Hippos squad ahead of their U20 Africa Cup of Nations engagement scheduled to take place in Mauritania this month.

Speaking to his club’s Media (@Police Fc Media) after making it to the final 🇺🇬Hippos squad ,Kakooza was at a loss for words but expressed gratitude and excitement for the faith shown in him by head coach Morley Byekwaso.He also revealed that he’s honoured to be part of the final Hippos team selected and says it’s another dream fulfilled.

“I really feel grateful having made it to the final squad.There are very many youths in Uganda who play football and being among the few to have made it to the final squad, feels really great and I thank God for the opportunity.”

Kakooza expressed gratitude and excitement for the faith shown in him by head coach Morley Byekwaso

The forward who missed the CECAFA Regional qualifiers is part of the Uganda Hippos squad currently in Tanzania where they will play against CECAFA Regional qualifiers runners-up Tanzania before facing COSAFA representatives Namibia in a Mini Tournament as part of their preparations ahead of the forthcoming U-20 Africa Cup of Nations Finals that will be hosted in Mauritania in February.

But despite missing the CECAFA Regional qualifiers after failing to make it to the final squad as the Final Hippos squad for the Zonal Qualification tournament was named ,the youngster insists that he’s ready to give his all this time round as he seeks to breakthrough in a team full of exciting forwards.

“Our coaches have prepared us very well and the whole team is in good shape. I want to score goals for our team and I promise not to let it down. This is my opportunity and I will try to use it well”

The forward said as quoted by the club’s Media

Kakooza who has gone through all the stages at Police Fc right from Police Kids Academy, Police Young, Police Armless Brigade and currently with the senior side,went ahead and expressed his excitement and thanked his coach Abdallah Mubiru (@Police fc) and the entire technical team for identifying him and giving him an opportunity to play.

“Police has given me a platform to build my career and special thanks to Abdullah Mubiru and the whole technical team for the support not forgetting my teammates.Our Hippos Coaches have also prepared us well and I thank them too. Coach Morley Byekwaso and his technical team i can’t thank them enough.”

The youngster thanked his coaches, both at club and national team

Uganda Hippos are in Group A and will play against Mozambique in the first match on 15th February 2021. Their second match will be on 17th February against Cameroon before going head-to-head with the hosts Mauritania in the last group match on 20th February 2021.